SUMMERSIDE — A battery fire at a solar farm in western P.E.I. continues to smoulder, almost a week after the fire started and warnings were issued about toxic smoke. City officials issued a statement advising residents they may see more smoke around the Sunbank solar farm in Summerside. The statement says the smoke would be the result of battery cells that continue to burn off. Officials say residents who are sensitive to smoke or have underlying respiratory conditions should consider reducing their outdoor activities. On Monday, the fire prompted an immediate shelter-in-place order, a voluntary evacuation notice, road closures and two school closures the following day. The shelter-in-place order was quickly downgraded to a voluntary advisory, which was lifted on Friday as the two local schools were reopened. On Thursday, the Island’s chief public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, said results from air-quality monitoring confirmed gasses from the burning batteries did not pose a health threat to residents. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2026. The Canadian Press
